The Oyomesi, traditional kingmakers in Oyo, are taking a strong stance against Governor Seyi Makinde, threatening legal action over allegations of bribery in the selection process of the new Alaafin.
They claim the governor’s statements are defamatory, damaging their reputation, and are demanding evidence to back up his claims.
Governor Makinde recently appointed Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin, marking the end of a two-year wait following the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in 2022.
The announcement was made official on January 13, 2024, when Makinde presented Owoade with the staff of office.
During the coronation ceremony, Governor Makinde emphasized that anyone found to have accepted bribes during the selection process would be held accountable and face legal consequences.
“Let me clarify this: those who sought to tarnish our tradition in Oyo will not be spared. The government will ensure they face the law unless they return to Kabiyesi (the king) to seek forgiveness,” he said.
“If Kabiyesi forgives them, I will also pardon them.”
The Oyomesi, comprising High Chief Yusuf Akínade, Bashorun of Oyo; High Chief Wakeel Akindele, Lagunna of Oyo; High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, Akinniku of Oyo; Chief Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief stand-in for Asipa of Oyo; and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief stand-in for Alapinní of Oyo, expressed their discontent in a letter to the Governor, signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN) for the law firm, Kunle Sobaloju & Co.
The letter dated 14th January, 2025 and addressed to the state governor is titled, ‘Curbing Public Statements Maligning The Integrity Of The Oyomesi.’
It reads, “We are Solicitors to High Chief Yusuf Akinade Ayoola Layinka (Bashorun of Oyo), High Chief Wakeel Akindele Oyedepo (Lagunna of Oyo), High Chief Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku of Oyo), Chief Wahab Oyetunji (warrant chief standing in for Asipa of Oyo), and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau K. (warrant chief standing in for Alapinni of Oyo), hereinafter referred to as “our clients.”
“On their instruction, we write to express our deep concern over the incessant public statements emanating from your office regarding allegations of bribery purportedly involving members of the Oyomesi.
“We recognize Your Excellency’s right to defend your actions in court, given the ongoing legal challenge to your recent decision. However, we respectfully remind Your Excellency that the court is the appropriate forum for presenting evidence and arguments.
“The Oyomesi, in their respect for the high office of the Governor of Oyo State, have refrained from joining issues with you in the public arena. It is, therefore, disheartening that Your Excellency continues to make public statements that cast aspersions on their integrity.
“We urge Your Excellency to refrain from resorting to a trial by media or the court of public opinion in a bid to confer legitimacy on recent unlawful acts of the state, under your command.
“If there is any evidence to support these allegations, we respectfully advise that it should be brought before the court, where it can be properly examined and addressed. Publicly maligning the Oyomesi, who are custodians of tradition and highly respected in the Oyo Kingdom, undermines not only their reputation but also the sanctity of the ongoing judicial process and defamatory of our clients.
“Our clients have always maintained their integrity and remain committed to upholding the traditions and customs of the Oyo Kingdom. The continued attempt at public trial of their character is unwarranted and unbecoming of the high standards expected of Your Excellency’s office.
“Please recognize that you remain liable to prosecution for the defamatory acts committed by you in office, for which you may be held accountable after your period of immunity is over.”
“We kindly urge Your Excellency to exercise restraint in this matter and allow the courts to resolve the issues before them. The Oyomesi remain steadfast in their respect for the rule of law and the dignity of your esteemed office, and we hope that this expected mutual respect will guide all further actions in this matter,” it adds.
